Tax Refund Garnishment

Tax Refund Garnishment

I have a loan through the Dept. of Education that's in default and they have garnished my federal tax refund as a result. I need the money pretty bad as I'm currently unemployed and thus I plan to appeal the offset via an economic hardship appeal.

I've read several articles about the process but they all seem to say something different - or they're discussing wage garnishment rather than tax refund garnishment.

My question is: does anyone have any experience or advice with this process? I expected the offset as I knew the loan was in default, but I haven't been able to pay and at the moment literally have zero monthly income. I read about a statement of financial status form where I'd need to provide proof of my monthly income, but as I have no monthly income I'm a little confused as to how this works. Do I just put $0 and hope for the best?

Any help and/or advice anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All FICO® Score products made available on myFICO.com include a FICO® Score 8, along with additional FICO® Score versions. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than the versions you receive from myFICO, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more

FICO, myFICO, Score Watch, The score lenders use, and The Score That Matters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation. Equifax Credit Report is a trademark of Equifax, Inc. and its affiliated companies. Many factors affect your FICO Score and the interest rates you may receive. Fair Isaac is not a credit repair organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Fair Isaac does not provide "credit repair" services or advice or assistance regarding "rebuilding" or "improving" your credit record, credit history or credit rating. FTC's website on credit.